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He has definitely shown Kruijswijk and Fuglsang, that a GT win for either of them is "the thing that should not be".
I hope my feeling is wrong but I'm not optimistic for Nibali. Almeida, Kelderman and Pozzovivo all look pretty strong and they are all above him in the GC atm. I know the gaps are small but will Vincenzo be able to improve in the 3rd week ?
I'd be gutted if he doesn't win anyway, because I'm not sure he'll get a better chance at a 5th Grand Tour ever again.
I don't know how you can be worried about Vincenzo over 3 weeks given he's done it year after year after year, especially when the people you're worried about are riders who have never really shown that ability.
It would take a massive breakout for Almeida to last all 3 weeks at a GT winning level (even if this field is depleted), while Pozzo's best GT finish is still only a fifth and he's older than Vincenzo. Kelderman is probably the scariest because he's at peak age and looks good but he's liable to manufacture his own issues and has rarely blown people out of the water.
The bag might be a bit old and worn but it's not full of holes.
I'm not worried about Nibali's ability to survive 3 weeks, but as of now I feel like his current level is a bit below the guys you mentioned. That's why I hope he will reach his best form in the last week, otherwise it's hard to see him gaining time over his main rivals who are all above him in the standings (aside from Fuglsang).
I'm not worried about Nibali's ability to survive 3 weeks, but as of now I feel like his current level is a bit below the guys you mentioned. That's why I hope he will reach his best form in the last week, otherwise it's hard to see him gaining time over his main rivals who are all above him in the standings (aside from Fuglsang).
Fixed that for you.I keep telling that the real tests will be during the rest day, for all involved.
I seriously think if in good form Nibali can give 2min to everybody on that stage alone (stage 20).
Stelvio is more important anyway, as Agnello has a decent alternative.As Rollthedice already mentioned, the next real GC tests are on Saturday and Sunday. The Nove Colli stage should be fascinating as well, but I don't except anything major to happen in the GC. So far Vincenzo has been pretty solid and his terrain is yet to come.
I hear the weather forecast for Northern Italy for the next 10 days is reasonable. IMO, if there are any problems with snow they are more likely to happen on Agnello. Stelvio is a very important state road, so I'm pretty confident it'll be raceable.
As Rollthedice already mentioned, the next real GC tests are on Saturday and Sunday. The Nove Colli stage should be fascinating as well, but I don't except anything major to happen in the GC. So far Vincenzo has been pretty solid and his terrain is yet to come.
I hear the weather forecast for Northern Italy for the next 10 days is reasonable. IMO, if there are any problems with snow they are more likely to happen on Agnello. Stelvio is a very important state road, so I'm pretty confident it'll be raceable.
Stelvio is more important anyway, as Agnello has a decent alternative.
Ugh. What else. Montcenisio?Not really, because preparing the gravel section of the Finestre in few days is almost impossible.
Metallica again!
Ugh. What else. Montcenisio?
Well nothing else matters but Nibali, bags and trophy cabinets